The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a top international location for employment, travel, and business. The country provides several visa alternatives to meet the demands of different tourists, investors, and workers. Getting a visa is necessary to experience the Arabian charm fully. The first step is understanding your eligibility for various UAE visas, whether pre-approved or issued on arrival. There are two visit visa types in UAE: short-term entrance permits and long-term Dubai visas. Let us explore the different types of UAE visas.

1) Short Term Visas

a) Tourist Visa: (for 30 days)

The tourist visa, commonly known as the Dubai Visa, is intended for applicants who want to enter the UAE for tourism purposes. This visa is valid for 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days. The tourist visa allows travelers single or multiple entries. This visa is ideal for travelers planning a vacation or family visit or attending a conference or event. You can apply for the tourist visa through an airline, travel agency, hotel, family and friends sponsoring the tourist visa, and online platforms like ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Custom & Ports Security) and GDRFA (General Directorate of Foreign Affairs) in Dubai.

b) Transit Visa: (for 48 or 96 Hours)

The transit visa is suitable for individuals transiting through the UAE to another destination. It grants a short stay of up to 48 or 96 hours and is available to travelers with confirmed onward flight tickets. The transit visa facilitates applicants looking for short layovers. You can easily avail yourself of this visa through a UAE-based airline or a travel agency. The transit visas are neither extendable nor renewable.

c) Five-Year Multiple Entry Visa

If you travel to the UAE frequently for work or to visit family and friends, you must get a long-term multiple-entry visa. You may apply for this visa on the official website of the ICP. The main requirement for this visa is a bank statement from the previous six months.

d) Job Seeker Visa

The Job Seeker Visa permits visitors to the UAE to seek investment, job, and business opportunities without a sponsor or host. Applicants can apply for a Job seeker visa for 120, 90, or 60 days. You must have recently earned a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from one of the top 500 institutions in the world to qualify for this visa, or you must be in the first, second, or third skill levels by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

e) GCC E-Visa for UAE Residents

Residents of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) nations and their family members are eligible for this visa. The visa is valid for 30 days and is extendable once for 30 days. You can submit an online application for a GCC e-visa on the ICP or GDRFA websites.

2) Residence Visas (Long Term Visas)

a) Green Visa

The Green visa is a five-year residency permit that does not need an employer or UAE national to sponsor the applicant. With the Green visa, applicants can sponsor relatives and have a six months’ grace period after visa cancellation or expiry. Freelancers, investors, and skilled employees can apply for this visa.

b) UAE Golden Visa

Golden Visa Dubai is an exclusive visa program launched by the UAE government. This visa allows residents to stay in the UAE for ten years and sponsor family members (spouse and children) for the same duration. It offers long-term residency to select categories of individuals, including investors, entrepreneurs, talented professionals, scientists, frontline heroes, humanitarian pioneers, and high-achieving students. The Golden Visa aims to attract and retain exceptional individuals who can contribute to the UAE’s development and growth. The visa provides several benefits, such as long-term residency, business opportunities, and access to various services.

c) Retirement Visa

Applicants who wish to stay in the UAE after retiring can apply for a Retirement visa. The Retirement Visa is issued and valid exclusively in Dubai by the GDRFA (other Emirates have not yet introduced a Retirement Visa). The five-year retirement visa requires a minimum age of 55 and at least 15 years of cumulative work experience inside and outside the UAE.

d) Employment Visa

The Employment Visa is for those applicants seeking employment opportunities in the UAE. It provides employment opportunities, access to the UAE job market, and potential long-term residency. It requires sponsorship from a UAE-based employer or company. The visa duration is typically two years, renewable upon meeting certain conditions.

e) Investor Visa

The Investor Visa is for applicants who wish to establish or invest in a business in the UAE. It is subject to specific investment criteria, such as minimum capital requirements and ownership percentages. The Investor Visa provides long-term residency, encourages business investments, and provides opportunities for growth and expansion.

f) Student Visa

The UAE has emerged as an attractive destination for higher education, with a diverse range of international universities providing its students a safe and secure environment. The Student Visa is sponsored for individuals by a recognized educational institution in the UAE. However, this visa is issued by GDRFA in each Emirate. This visa allows students to pursue their studies and is usually valid for the duration of the academic program. To renew this visa, the student must provide official proof of continuation of study from the university.

g) Medical Treatment Visa

The UAE has become a renowned destination for medical tourism. The Medical Treatment Visa is designed for individuals seeking access to world-class healthcare facilities and specialized medical treatments in the country. It requires sponsorship from a recognized medical institution or hospital.

Whether planning a vacation, seeking employment, investing in the business, pursuing higher education, or seeking medical treatment, the UAE offers various visa options to cater to your specific needs. Before making travel arrangements to the UAE, it is wise to check with the relevant authorities or get expert advice to ensure compliance with the most recent visa laws and regulations.